Cross Registration
Southern Polytechnic State University as a member of the Atlanta Regional
Consortium for Higher Education (ARCHE) participates in the cross registration
program among ARCHE member institutions. The purpose of cross registration
is to provide opportunities for enriched educational programs by permitting
students at any ARCHE institution to take courses at any other member institution.
Cross registration may be pursued only for courses for which the student
has met the prerequisites and not offered at the home institution for the
given term. Applications and additional information about cross registration
can be obtained from the Records Office.
Computer Resources
The Division of Information Technology (IT) administers the work of
IT Technical Services and IT User Services. Through these units, IT provides
campus-wide service for information technology, including the university
networking and computing infrastructure, implementing and supporting university
enterprise systems, developing policies/procedures related to IT, providing
service to faculty/staff computing equipment, and managing the student
open access computing areas.
The University's infrastructure includes enterprise scale servers, networked business-class work stations, open access labs, and discipline-specific (departmental) labs, as well as the campus network that connects all these parts together and to the rest of the world via PeachNet and the Internet.
Every student may open a university e-mail account supported by a campus server. Visit the lab in H-244 to open an account. To activate an e-mail account, a student must meet these requirements: be currently enrolled at Southern Polytechnic State University as an active student; complete registration for classes for the current term; have a picture ID (SPSU student ID preferred). New accounts may be established after the drop/add period at the beginning of the semester.
IT supports the university open access lab in Building H, room 244 (IBM-compatible microcomputers running Windows, Unix terminals, and laser printers) and a lab with character-based terminals in Building E. Both labs offer e-mail and internet access.
Students will find other computer labs on campus that are managed by academic schools and departments. Use of these labs is generally restricted to students enrolled in those academic programs. See the department for more information.
Center for Instructional Technology
The Center for Instructional Technology, a unit of Extended University,
is located in the Library annex and features a state-of-the-art multimedia
authoring lab and technology rich smart classrooms. The authoring lab is
scheduled for open student access approximately 40 hours per week.
The Library
The Lawrence V. Johnson Library collection consists of some 110,000
cataloged volumes. Also cataloged are more than 1,500 periodical and serial
titles plus stand alone CD ROM's. Other formats include various microforms,
U.S. Geological Survey maps for the State of Georgia, and a circulating
reserve collection of texts, tests, and tools.
The automated library union catalog, GALILEO Interconnected Libraries (GIL), lists materials held by libraries throughout the State of Georgia. Materials from these and other libraries nationwide may be obtained through the Interlibrary Loan service in Reference.
The Library also provides GALILEO, an initiative funded by the University System, to allow access to online databases, including full text and full-image files. Through GALILEO, faculty and students have access to more than 100 indexing and abstracting services, and the Internet. Housed in the library is the Electronic Gallery, a collection of videotapes, videodiscs, and CD Rom's for teaching art appreciation.
The 60,000 square foot building complements the campus with its unusual shape and floor plan which accommodates seating for 400 persons. Following the topography, a series of step-down trays separate stack areas and convenient ramps provide ease of access to the library's resources for the disabled. A spacious second floor features large and small group study rooms, ample study carrels, open stacks, and reading areas. Centered under a two-story skylight, a glass walled gallery accommodates flexible exhibits as well as serving as the reception hall for the campus. Additional information about services offered at the Johnson Library may be accessed at http://www.spsu.edu/library/library.html.
The Library owns and displays an art collection containing representative works of 19th and 20th Century American artists and the Alan and Louise Sellars Collection of Antique Tools. A collection of 19th Century architectural artifacts has been incorporated into the building, which also features a bell tower rising sixty feet above the Library, with a set of Swiss-made custom-cast bells.
Distance Learning Program
Southern Polytechnic State University offers selected classes to students
at distant sites via the state's two-way interactive compressed video system
or via the Internet.
Southern Polytechnic State University is committed to providing appropriate student development services to all enrolled students including those who may be participating in distance learning programs. Typically, access to these services is consistent with the unique nature of distance learning. Phone, fax, e-mail, and the Internet are the primary modes for service delivery. Initially, every enrolled student receives a printed copy of the University's Student handbook (an electronic Student handbook is also available on the University's web site), and this handbook outlines the various services available. Phone numbers, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses are also available to participating students. University service personnel are responsive to requests for assistance they receive through these various media, and they are open to explore alternative ways of providing help.
Advising and mentoring activities are the primary responsibility of the faculty participating in distance learning programs. Other assistance is provided by personnel in each of the functional areas which include counseling services, career services, disability services, and financial aid. Several campus-based activities are funded by separate mandatory fees which are not charged to students participating in distance learning programs. These activities include social and cultural events, student organizations, recreational sports, health and wellness programs, housing/resident life and intercollegiate athletics. The activities are appropriately not available at off-campus locations.
The Bookstore
The Southern Polytechnic State University bookstore is located on the
lower level of the Student Center. Textbooks, used books, software, reference
books, school supplies, engineering supplies, calculators, clothes, greeting
cards, health and beauty aids, and many other items are available there.
The bookstore is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday and Thursday,
8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. on Friday.
On the last day of registration and the first week of classes, the bookstore is open for extended hours.
The Post Office
The Southern Polytechnic State University Post Office is located next
to the Bookstore and is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Post Office boxes are available for rental by the term.
Development and University
Relations
Southern Polytechnic State University's efforts to solicit support
from business, industry, graduates, and community leaders are organized
and coordinated through the Development and University Relations Office.
Southern Polytechnic National Alumni Association, Inc.
The alumni association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to organizing
graduates and former students in order to promote the interest and welfare
of Southern Polytechnic State University. The association publishes Southern
Polytechnic Today, provides alumni services, conducts the Call-A-Thon,
organizes special alumni events, and serves as the focal point to develop
alumni contributions of time and money to assist Southern Polytechnic State
University.
Southern Polytechnic Athletic Association, Inc.
The association is active in promoting Southern Polytechnic State University
intercollegiate activities through fund raising, advertising efforts, and
special events. As a nonprofit organization, the corporation's membership
is open to all individuals who donate to the annual fund campaign for the
benefit of Southern Polytechnic State University.
Southern Polytechnic State University Foundation, Inc.
In September of 1976, the Board of Directors of the alumni association
established the Foundation, whereby funds, property, and other types of
financial assistance -- primarily from business, industry, corporations,
other foundations, and individuals -- could be channeled to Southern Polytechnic
State University for support and development of educational, cultural,
social, civic, and professional endeavors.
The purposes of the Foundation are to provide academic and institutional support, provide scholarships, endowments, research grants, and in various ways to promote the cause of higher education at Southern Polytechnic State University.
The officers and board of trustees, who are empowered to administer donations to the foundation, are distinguished business and civic leaders from the community and the state at large.
Public Relations
The Public Relations Office is responsible for internal and external
communications such as publicity, media relations, alumni and campus publications,
audio visual and promotional materials, and special events. Activities
are geared to enhancing awareness and support of the university among many
audiences, including the public, students and families, alumni, community
leaders, and business and industry. Public Relations also serves the institution
-- its faculty, staff, and students -- in planning and implementing programs
and in disseminating information about activities and accomplishments of
faculty, staff, and students.
International Programs and Services
The Office of International Programs and Services provides programs,
services, and information to the University's international student body
and faculty. The Office conducts international student orientations for
foreign nationals. The Director serves as the liaison with immigration
services and provides advisement on immigration matters, health insurance,
employment, practical training, travel regulations, and community involvement.
Advisement is provided to the International Student Association. Phi Beta
Delta, National Honor Society for International Scholars is also coordinated
through the Office.
The Office coordinates and promotes the development of campus, international exchange and study abroad programs for students, faculty, and administrators. It serves as the campus contact for international visitors.
Veterans Programs
The veteran or reservist planning to further his or her education using
veterans benefits at Southern Polytechnic State University should apply
for admission as any other student. Then, prior to enrollment (preferably
at least one month before entering the university) he or she should complete
the Veterans Application for Program of Education or Training (VA Form
22-1990) and submit the form to the Southern Polytechnic State University
Office of Veteran Affairs. At the same time, the prospective student may
be required to furnish copies of one or more of the following: proof of
discharge (DD Form 214) or NOBE (DD Form 2384), marriage license, dependent
children's birth certificates, or other documents needed to define an individual's
eligibility.
Eligibility for Veterans Administration benefits has no direct relationship to the institution. The payment of VA funds are directly between the student and the Veterans Administration. The institution serves only as a source of certification and information to the Veterans Administration.
Southern Polytechnic State University has established the Office of Veteran Affairs to serve veterans and dependents of deceased or disabled veterans by certification, information, and referral. It is the responsibility of the veteran to keep the Veteran Affairs Office informed of their enrollment status any time it changes.
Georgia Youth Science and Technology
Center
The goal of GYSTC is to promote interest and enthusiasm in the science
and technology disciplines, particularly among elementary and middle school
students and teachers in Georgia. The center encourages and supports students
to prepare for advanced education and careers in science and technology.
GYSTC is headquartered on the campus of Southern Polytechnic State University
and through its state board of directors receives guidance from the University
System of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia Department
of Adult and Technical Education, and representatives from private industry
and government. The center is charged with providing support services to
regional GYSTC laboratories established across the state, which provide
hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, science and technology camps and courses
for students and teachers. Over 398,000 students, 96,000 teachers and 44,000
parents, school administrators and others have benefited from GYSTC programs,
since its inception in 1989.
GYSTC operates the only NASA Educator Resource Center in the state. Multi-media materials in science, math, and technology are made available to all educators free of charge and cover a wide area of disciplines from pre-K through post-secondary. GYSTC disseminates these resources to the educational community through the Resource Center on the Southern Polytechnic State University campus as well as the regional GYST Centers.